Skating over the oil issue

More than 60 years ago, in the midst of World War II, those showgirls on roller skates traveling down New York’s Fifth Avenue came to symbolize the optimism of sacrifice during war. Holding a placard stating, “DO YOUR BIT! SKATE TO WORK. SAVE GAS,” the gals in short skirts were more than an advertising gimmick in June 1942. They became a cause for presidential action.

After that 1942 election, President Roosevelt imposed rationing of gasoline as a way to save rubber and oil for the troops. Not that America today needs to go to such extremes as outright rationing.

Star Telegram